Adelaide aquatic centre undergoes sustainable upgrade

The Adelaide Aquatic Centre is a complex of indoor heated swimming pools operated by the Adelaide City Council and located in the northernmost extent of the Adelaide Parklands in North Adelaide. The centre opened on 20 December 1969 and is now over 40 years old.

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Adelaide aquatic centre

Facilities

The Adelaide Aquatic Centre features a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool and a smaller adjacent pool (33m x 21m) used for aqua aerobics, canoe polo, diving, underwater hockey and water polo. These two pools are surrounded on three sides by raised seating for competition spectators. The wet areas also include an octopus-themed 'Octopool' for children's swimming lessons and recreational use, two leisure pools, two water slides, two spas, a dry sauna and a steam room. At extra cost (unless one becomes a member), the centre offers a crèche and a health club equipped with cardio machines, pin-loaded weight machines and free weights. There are also shops providing swimming equipment and food, and an outdoor barbecue area.

Location

The centre is located in North Adelaide, in the square of parkland bordered by Jeffcott Street, Barton Terrace West, Prospect Road and Fitzroy Terrace. There is a car park to the west whose entrance is off Jeffcott Street, but the entrance to the centre itself faces north, towards Fitzroy Terrace.

Fees

The Adelaide Aquatic Centre has a complex set of fees and charges. There are different prices for casual visitors to wet areas, to the health club and to fitness classes; there is an option of purchasing a stored value card for multiple visits to wet areas; and both full membership and 'lifestyle membership' options of various lengths, where lifestyle membership also includes access to the golf course owned by the Council. In addition, there are separate prices for families, single adults, children, and concession card holders (Health Care Card or full-time tertiary students).

State of Maintenance

Peak representative bodies such as Diving Australia, Swimming Australia and the Aquatic Sports Coalition of SA have criticised the condition of facilities at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.

During April to July 2011 the centres roof is to be replaced as the first stage in upgrading the centre.

Future plans

Adelaide City Council has reportedly allocated $6 million for a leisure centre conversion for the aquatic centre but requires additional funding from the state or federal governments to go ahead.

As a first step in this process the centre is currently having its roof replaced and Adelaide City Council is to undertake a detailed study on how best to proceed in further upgrading the centre in coming years, to shift its focus from swimming competitions to a family oriented leisure pool facility, along the lines of an indoor waterpark.